Ask Dr. Dan: Educational Question & Answer Archive – From Dan Moore, DVM

I have recently switched my 21 year old gelding over to just oats because he started choking frequently on soaked hay pellets and oats mixed together. He continues to cough at feeding time and oats come out of his nose. He hasn’t had the hay pellets in 1 week. He is drinking and eating hay fine. I feed him in a large feed pan so the oats are spread out thin and I add water to them. Any ideas? He only gets 1/2 lb. of oats.
~Elizabeth

I would suggest having him scoped by your veterinarian..probably not an issue but need to be sure no obstructions..

I would add water but let the oats set a bit with water before offering.

Maybe put a large rock in the bowl so has to eat around..

Also, Our Weight Check oil would help lubricate.

Keep me informed..

Dr.Dan

Aural Plaques

by Dr. Dan

What is the best way to get rid of aural plaques? My horse ois very defensive of his ears and the only way I can put anything in his ears is to sedate him. So if would be ideal if there was a treatment that doesn’t have to be done frequently. Thank you!
Heidi

I would try both our Grape Balm herbal wound and our Marigold healer..they both come in small tubes .warming the tubes a bit before use may make them soft enough to just squirt. Each is also available in a jar too which you could actually refill the tubes from.

Worth a try! Can hurt!!

Dr Dan

PregCheck (product) question…

by Dr. Dan

Hello,

I have my pregnant mare (bred on May 20) on oats and Just Add Oats. Would you recommend doing Preg Check in addition to Just Add Oats?

Here’s a testimonial of the same horse, feel free to put on your website.

I’ve been really happy with my 16 yr old mare’s progress since switching to your oats program a couple of months ago. She has an old knee injury from 2018 with very limited mobility. While the mobility hasn’t really improved over the years, the size of her knee is currently the smallest it’s ever been. I also believe she was borderline laminitic all the time. It didn’t matter if it was fresh trim or 4 weeks later, she would always be tender on gravel. The other day I trimmed her and she walked sound across the gravel and I was stunned! Her front feet are tightening up and not so stretched-looking. She also moves more comfortably in general. Thank you for all that you do!

Olivia S.

Thanks Olivia,

Most mares really don’t need preg check….especially if on our feeding program? Any previous issues with getting them pregnant or maintaining for sure Preg Check though.

I would however suggest Red Cal though..free choice and available at ALL times.. www.WhyRedCalWorks.com and also Weight check oil (for the good fats for cellular health and to prepare for the coming foal).

Thanks for asking..

Dr Dan

Sarcoidosis in 18 yr. mare

by Dr. Dan

Hi Dr Dan,
I have an 18 yr old mare with a probable sarcoidosis on her right eyes Lyrene advised I reach out to you on treatment?
Thanks,
June M.
Clarksville, TN

That’s a tough problem to deal with for sure June…

I have had success with 1. Our marigold pocket healer ointment squirted directly onto the eye daily (twice daily if possible so get the 3 tube pack at least) along with either

2. Health Check or Joint Check.. Joint Check actually has Health Check included into the formula along with other ingredients that help the old timers with joints etc ..so Joint would be best. Believe it or not, some of the “joint ingredients” may help eyes as well so it would be my preference for your horse rather than just the health..

Also might consider …..

3. Bug Check as the least insults to the eyes quicker would heal..though Bug Check is not 100% for flys it will help keep them out of the eyes.

Thanks for asking June. Keep me posted.

Dr Dan

Understanding Horse Conformation: A Guide to Your Horse’s Physical Harmony

by Dr. Dan

Conformation in horses refers to the physical appearance and structure of the animal, encompassing everything from the alignment of the hooves to the slope of the shoulders and the set of the neck. It’s not just about aesthetics; conformation has a profound impact on a horse’s performance, health, and overall well-being.

Why Conformation Matters
Good conformation is essential for a horse’s balance, strength, and agility. It determines how well a horse can perform tasks, resist injury, and even how it ages. While no horse is perfect, understanding conformation can help owners and trainers make informed decisions about training, breeding, and care.

Common Conformation Challenges Include…

Hoof Issues:
Poor hoof conformation, such as flat feet or club feet, can lead to uneven wear, lameness, and other mobility issues.

Joint Concerns:
Misalignment in joints, particularly in the knees and hocks, can stress the horse’s skeletal system and limit its range of motion.

In Regards To Natural Support for Conformation Challenges…
Please know that not all conformation issues can be corrected, but there are natural ways to help support horses battling with these challenges.

Natural hoof care products, including supplements rich in biotin, zinc, and amino acids, can promote healthy hoof growth. Regular visits from a knowledgeable farrier who understands the principles of natural hoof care are also crucial.

Supplements containing glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM can support joint health.

Additionally, incorporating anti-inflammatory herbs like turmeric and omega-3 fatty acids into a horse’s diet can help manage joint discomfort.

Tailored exercise programs that respect each horse’s conformation can improve muscle tone and joint stability, helping to compensate for any structural weaknesses.

Understanding horse conformation is key to ensuring your equine companion leads a healthy and as active as possible life. While we can’t change a horse’s inherent structure, we can certainly provide the support it needs to thrive.

My suggestions are always geared towards empowering each of us to better nurture our horses in a way that respects their individuality and natural form.

Thanks for connecting today.
—Dr. Dan

Oats, alfalfa pellets and hay for foundered horses?

by Dr. Dan

A “little” of each is ok ..but easy on the alfalfa… especially lesser quality alfalfa in which case, hay is best.. some folks think oats are not good because of the carbs. Personally I have no issue in moderation – and especially because of where they are digested in the gut.

Thanks for asking

Dr Dan

www.TheNaturalVet.com
www.WhatToFeedYourHorse.com

Critical Care Metabolism & using Chia seed”

by Dr. Dan

First time trying Critical Care Metabolism Support on my super easy keeper Missouri Fox Trotter, & I’m wondering if I should still give him Chia Seeds?
—Claudia S.

Chia seeds can only help as “it takes good fats to burn fats”. Weight Check oil is helpful too. Thanks for asking!
—Dr. Dan

Search Tool For Finding Answers

by Dr. Dan

Enter Keywords For Your Question To Search Through Archives…

Carmelita asks about Iron-rich water and respiratory problems with 22 year old Thoroughbred

by Dr. Dan

To: Dr. Dan

From:
Carmelita A.

Message:
Does ingesting very iron-rich water as the only water sourse cause or
increase respiratory problems in horses? My horse has a bad
respiratory problem and he has never had one until this past spring.
He has lived in the area he is currently in most of his life. The
water specifically where he has lived the past almost three years
(same area) has a whole lot of iron in it, also a lot of sulphur and
salt too, but mostly iron. Could the water be part of the problem?
He is a 22 year old Thoroughbred. Thank you!

Hi Carmen,

I really think chances are slim to none… “allergies” are way way more likely and I have lots of info available online about allergies that I will share a good link for you to review such.

Without, knowing what you are currently feeding besides supplementation I would consider changing the feed/hay… if there might be a “dust” problem “stemming from that, or even if providing commercial feed… that is a source of many “allergy-type” challenges–that too will be covered in questions/answers/info available in the many pages/postings that you will be led to through this link: http://askdrdan.com/HOME/?s=allergies&submit=Search
(bottom of each page will have a “older posts” link to take you to more)

Hope this helps and thanks for asking! Feel free to keep me posted as well.

Dr. Dan

Jan asks: Clover Allergies?

by Dr. Dan

To: Dr. Dan

From:
Jan V.

Message:
Hi Dr. Dan,

There is a large percentage of white clover in our horse pasture. As I
understand it, clover can get a fungus that produces a chemical called
slaframine which horses are allergic to. It causes them to drool
excessively. My experience has been that they also become excitable on
the clover because of the high sugar contact. I do not want to use
herbicides to control the clover, but would rather have more grass in
the pasture. What would you recommend? Would your Pasture Check help
the clover be healthier so it doesn't get a fungus and encourage more
grass to grow? Would liming the pasture help? I do feed Red Cal,
Weight Check oil, JAO, Bug Check, Joint Check and Hoof Check along
with oats to all our horses. They are all very healthy otherwise, but
I'd sure like to eliminate the clover problem without the use of harsh
chemicals.

Thank you,

Jan

Hi Jan, hope all is great.

I actually sow clover (20%) along with orchard grass (40%) and timothy (40%) The horses do slobber etc. but never in 30 years have I seen a real issue other than some excessive slobber. Yes, as I do, I would suggest lime and Pasture Check for you as well, but I personally… I would not be concerned with clover.

As always… thanks for your support and asking me about this. 🙂

Pasture Check

Fran asks about 25 year old Thoroughbred Gelding who appears to have Urinary Incontinence

by Dr. Dan

To: Dr. Dan

From:
fran a.

Message:
Dear Dr. Dan

I have a 25 year old Thoroughbred Gelding who appears to have Urinary
Incontinence.

I have known this horse since he was 6 years old and owned him since
he was 12 years old, he has been under my care since he was 6 years
old.

He recently developed this incontinence in the last year, he has been
on the same property for the last 5 years, never traveled, only on the
local trails. I have had my equine vet, equine chiropractor and equine
herbalist all look at him!

My vet examined him for Equine Herpes, the only sign that he has of
this is the incontinence.

I have had the scalding on his hind legs under control until the flies
this summer, what can I do for the scalding on his hind legs, any
supplement that I can give him or salve that I can apply?

Anything that you recommend that I can give him for the incontinence?

Any & All Help Is Greatly Appreciated,

Fran A.

Hello Fran,

I would for sure provide our Marigold product topically and Bug Check would be great to provide (it is much more than just a "bug" product).

Now, for the incontenince… might find locally from a natural/health food store something called nux vomica…. provide about 10 pellets daily of the 30 cc potency. Would be worth a try I feel.

Now, along with above please consider our Health Check to help detox and get past junk out of system and get more goody in and help support immune system more.

Hope this helps and feel free to keep me posted. Thanks for asking!

Karoline asks about natural solution for dog's heartworms…

by Dr. Dan

To: Dr. Dan

From:
Karoline K

Message:
I am looking for something natural for heartworm. My dog gets
seizures everytime I use Heartguard and also with the flea and tick
applications. I did buy something nautral for the flea and tick,
do you have something natural for the heartworm.
Thank you,
Karoline

Hi Karoline,

There is no natural alternative for heartworm except keeping the "bugs" off and keeping them healthy as possible (a healthy immune system. For this I would suggest out Bug Check and at least the Health Check for pets. Both work from the inside-out.

http://www.thenaturalvet.net/Bug-Check-_c_34.html

http://www.thenaturalvet.net/Health-Check_c_37.html

If something extra topically is desired for the ticks and fleas, we also have an all-natural spray called Finally Something That Works— it is not a "kill" but will help keep off as good as anything else naturally.

Thanks for asking!

Leslie shares an update about her "mini" and asks about equine ulcers, panic attacks and more…

by Dr. Dan

To: Dr. Dan

From:
Leslie W.

Message:
Dear Dr. Dan,
My horse has panic attacks. Sometimes they are quite severe–to the
point that he will not eat for about 3-5 days. He will nibble on a
little hay but, will not eat his grain. Something sets him off and he
will work himself into a white foam sweat. Most of the time this seems
to happen in the early morning hours but, this most recent episode was
the day before the 4th of July. He was out in the riding area racing
back and forth very concerned about “something” in the woods. I am
concerned that from these episodes that he then ends up with an ulcer.
What would you recommend to treat an ulcer?
Presently, I feed mostly oats, with a little bit of Poulin’d MVP
pellets supplement, and Blue Seal Hay stretcher pellets along with a
good quality hay and plent of fresh water. He gets Red Cal and
Cocosoyo oil. We have no pasture but, he gets turn out every day —
weather permitting.
Thank you in advance,
Leslie

p.s. you helped me recently with my mini….per your recommendation he
is/was on Critical care laminitis formula and, now is on Health Check.
He is doing great, looks like a real mini instead of an overgrown
woodtick!! I can’t believe the weight he has lost! With in three days
of being on the Critical Care we stopped the Bananmine and all the
rest of the drugs that were not working!

Thank you for your help and great products!

Hi Leslie,

Thank you for sharing about your mini and the kind words. I appreciate it for sure.

Also great on providing Red Cal… now please consider the Weight Check Oil (instead of cocosoyo) and the Just Add Oats supplement to be on the feeding program 100% (FeedForSuccess.com) and
then also provide the targeted support of our Gut Check natural supplement.

This has helped so many with the challenges you mention ulcers, calming etc.

Here’s some other postings that might be of interest:

http://askdrdan.com/HOME/?s=ulcers&submit=Search

http://askdrdan.com/HOME/?s=calming&submit=Search

Hope this helps and thanks for your support Leslie. Keep me posted for sure on this and again thanks for the update about your mini!

Dr. Dan

Sharon with questions about Supplements/Warts/Soy

by Dr. Dan

To: Dr. Dan

From:
Sharon S.

Message:
I usually have my hay tested every year, I feed Bermuda, Mixed Orchard
Grass, pasture grass and sometimes Teff. Then I buy Horse Tech’s
Arizona Complete (which compliments the hay analysis) and feed with
Horse Techs Nutra Flax mix (not that crazy about the flax) plus salt
and yeast. That’s it, no oats or pellets.
I have Hymalyan salts licks (which they seem to like they stand there
and lick and lick)

My one white horse always has had little warts mostly under his neck
and around his buttox area. I’ve read and read and mostly just know
that it has something to do with the immune system. I’ve ordered your
Allergy check but I don’t think I’ll be putting the Grape stuff on his
white body. I’ve also ordered your Red Cal. I’d like to see what
happens with that.

Now, the Weight check, that has soy in it. Is it fermented soy?
Why oats? I would never feed any pellets or commercial feed but are
the oats just a vehicle for the other stuff? I remember reading years
ago that the only reason oats became a horse product is because the
cowboys found it much easier to transport than hay.

I’m considering transfering to your program, but I have to do some
figuring about the costs it seems pretty expensive but I know you get
what you pay for in life.

Sharon

Hi Sharon,

Thanks for considering the program. I’m guessing by now you’ve seen some of the info at FeedForSuccess.com as well as the related product links.

Oats are just more than a “convenience”. I think my oats article along with the short video both of which are at the feeding program link will best provide why I use and recommend oats.

Here’s the direct link to the article (there’s also audios as well):
http://www.thenaturalvet.net/For-The-Health-Of-Horses-Feed-Oats_ep_54.html

You just can’t go wrong with oats.

My Weight Check Oil contains GMO-Free oil from the soybean. Not to be confused with the negatives you have and might hear about soy. Unfortunately that is is something I have to answer often…

(just see pages here: http://askdrdan.com/HOME/?s=soy&submit=Search), but fortunately thousands agree and have come to love the Weight Check Oil as their source for the good fats (and more) they know their horses need.

I searched years for a gmo-free source of this soy “bean” oil that I could be assured of and comfortable with. It has performed admirably through the years and I would put Weight Check up against anything else.

I know you’ve also already ordered Red Cal— be sure to remove those blocks asap. Again the short audio on the Red cal page if not yet listened to will be great quick listen
http://www.thenaturalvet.net/RED-CAL_c_3.html

And great on the Aller Check— it looks like you have been doing some due diligence and I appreciate you using what I have online— just as you said, so many things are best approached naturally from the inside out and keep the immune system in top-notch
shape.

Again, I appreciate your orders and for choosing us Sharon. I hope the above helps and keep me posted.

Jim and Nelda asks this about providing Red Cal

by Dr. Dan

To: Dr. Dan

From:
Jim and Nelda

Message:
I ordered Red Cal. However, with the large amount of horses, I
decided feeding free choice would be labor intensive, plus horses
share the same runnout. So I put a scoop-the one from the feed
through package-in their morning grain. My question, “Is this too
much for them to get that much everyday?” They eat it with their
grain and the feed through product.

I know you recommend free choice, but that would mean an extra bucket
in each stall. We have two water buckets and a feeder in each now and
the stalls are not 12×12.

I don’t want to overfed the Red Cal and cause any problems for the horse.
Thank you.

Hi Jim,

This will be fine Jim and not too much. Only healthy, but free-choice they will eat what they need when they know they need it. Could eat more or could eat less-they just know. So if there was ever a way this would be preferred, but again what you are doing is fine. Be sure to remove any blocks/rocks too- (just in case).

I appreciate you choosing to provide RED CAL for your horses and for your support.

Stay in touch and keep me posted on things.

Dr. Dan

Chris shares a testimonial and asks this for her mare…

by Dr. Dan

To: Dr. Dan

From:
Chris

Message:

Hello Dr.Dan,
I first want to say Iam so thrilled with the products. It is the first
time EVER in over 20 years of trying things for my horses that works
and that they all LOVE. Thank you so much for the OUTSTANDING
products.

I would like to tell you about a mare I have and see what you
recommend.

She is a 6 year old. She slipped and fell as a 3 yr old on ice at a
full speed canter. SHe got up and seemed to moce perfectly hine,
however she was shaking a bit and broke out in a sweat like when they
colic. I had the vet out and they found her very sore over her left
lower back. SHe could barely trot to the right and would nearly
explode if asked to canter… she would kick out and could only cross
canter.

The vet put her on anti inflammatories and I hand walked her daily for
a month. Afterwards I had massaging, chiropractic work done on and
off. Also, she would react violently when asked to pick up her left
hind foot for trimmimg….. NEVER did this before the fall. Then as a
4 year old she reared and fell over twice… landing on the left side
and shoulder. Same things…. wouldnt want to go to the right… trot
or canter.

Gave her off with 24/7 turn out.Now 2 years later
she started acting up for the farrier again….. cannot hold her left
hind up high or outward. She is good if they dont lift it high…..
but is very concerned and worried.

Can you please offer any suggestions. Its been 3 long years.
She was fine for quite awhile and I had her bred… she is 5 weeks
along!! Thank you very much for your time!!

Thanks for sharing Chris. I appreciate your support and taking the time to say the kind words. Couldn't do it without you.

Regardless of actual cause. Keep up the chiropractic and staft on joint… if non responsive after a month then start providing the Critical Care Founder/Laminitis formula for the natural anti-inflammatory support.

Thanks again for what you shared. I appreciate you and keep me posted.

Dr. Dan

CRITICAL CARE- Founder/Laminitis

Susan asks this about hulless oats…

by Dr. Dan

To: Dr. Dan

From:
Susan W.

Message:
I am currently feeding my horse whole oats (from Canada) and hay,
along with Red Cal, Just Add Oats, Weight Check Oil, Joint Check, and
Bug Check. I am considering switching to hulless oats (also from
Canada), as the undigested oats are attracting too many birds. Are
hulless oats nutritionally comparable to whole oats would they would
work with your feeding program? Also, do you know if they are
genetically modified or do they grow naturally?
Thank you for any information you can provide.

Susan W.

Hi Susan,

I should say that there shouldn't be undigested in the fecal. Its just not ever been an issue I have ever seen or heard nor has what you shared with me about birds.

The hull less can be used with program fine, but will cost more and yet really no more nutritious… only shown higher in protein etc. because hull is not present making "concentration" higher. Not sure if gmo or not though.

I don't think that oats are yet genetically modified. I might expect though that some are hybrids of some sort.

Hope this is helpful and thanks for asking.